Storm Rider Yoke ready for NSW lifejacket regs

by Shoemark & King on 8 Nov 2010 Australia’s innovator in inflatable lifejackets, PFD Australia, has launched its 2011 Storm Rider range to help NSW boaters meet the new rules which come into force on 1 November.

The new lifejackets rules for recreational vessels on NSW navigable waters will also affect Victorian boaters on the Murray.

Although NSW does not require universal lifejacket wearing in all small vessels, it does require them to be worn in specific situations, especially for children, in heightened risk conditions and for towing watersports.

PFD Australia offers a range of safe and stylish, top quality PFD1 yokes, vests and jackets to meet the new NSW requirements, starting at under $100 for the Storm Rider Yoke.

From 1 November on NSW waterways, children under 12 years of age must wear a lifejacket at all times on vessels less than 4.8 metres, and when underway and in an open area of the vessel in vessels less than 8 metres.

All persons in vessels less than 4.8 metres must wear a lifejacket in heightened risk boating situations, specifically at night, when on open (ocean) waters, on alpine waters, when boating alone, or when the boat is used as a tender more than 400 metres from shore.

In all vessels, all persons must wear lifejackets when the master judges a heightened risk exists and requires passengers to put on their lifejacket, such as in deteriorating weather, in rough seas, at night, if a passenger can’t swim, or when a vessel is broken down.

For details of the new rules, including provisions for towing watersports, kayaks, canoes and kite surfing, visit www.maritime.nsw.gov.au and click 'Lifejacket Reforms'.

PFD Australia’s Storm Rider lifejackets offer maximum safety combined with convenience, versatility and style in a range of models which meet – and in some cases exceed – the requirements of the new NSW rules.

The Storm Rider Yoke meets all the requirements for an inflatable PFD1 in NSW and around Australia in a one-size-fits-all inflatable yoke for less than $100, including a free LED torch tucked into its handy mesh pocket.

To combine weather protection with top level safety, the Storm Rider Lite can be worn as a weatherproof jacket or with its sleeves and back panel zipped out for maximum ventilation in hot weather, all for less than $250.

Storm Rider vests and jackets are the only PFD1 jackets in Australia that can be legally worn open for comfort and ventilation, when the buckle is fastened on the separate safety strap.

More at www.pfdaustralia.com.au.